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OAR Canine Enrichment and Exercise Program

Each dog will have their own “Canine Enrichment Form” documenting their participation in the canine enrichment program

All forms (active and non-active) with arrival dates within the same calendar year will be kept in the Canine Enrichment Form Binder (located in the building receiving area).

Older forms will be filed for three years after euthanasia

Floor space provisions

Group -housed dogs - Are to be housed in a pen that provides, at a minimum, 100% of the floor space required by the Animal Welfare Regulations (AWR)/The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) (whichever provides more space) for each dog. In this case additional opportunity for exercise is not required.

Individually housed dogs - Are to be housed in a pen that provides, at a minimum, two times the floor space required by the AWR/Guide (whichever provides more space) per dog. In this case additional opportunity for exercise is not required.

Dogs that are housed individually in enclosures that provide less than two times the required floor space per dog will be provided with additional opportunities for exercise.

Removal from cage for a minimum of 30 minutes and allowed to roam the room perimeter at will.

Opportunity for additional exercise will be provided daily during normal working hours.

One or more persons will observe the animals during the opportunity for exercise.

A sign will be placed on the room door to note that dogs are loose within the room

One or more persons will positively interact with the dogs during the opportunity for exercise.

When possible, several compatible dogs of the same sex from the same room will be released together to facilitate social interaction.

Space requirements
(Please reference the AWR and the Guide for more details)